Education
New ELT study takes aim at “less traditional” tests

The report by the Universities of Dundee and Cambridge highlights concerns about “the preparedness of students admitted through less traditional tests” as well as worries about the “security, validity and perceived inadequacy” of tests run by Duolingo and Oxford Education Group (OIEG).
The study draws on evidence from 50 UK universities, though its critics point out that many of the statements seem to be based on qualitative perspectives and anecdotal evidence from a small sample – comments that the report’s authors have hit out against.
It is causing disturbance in the ELT world, with Duolingo highlighting that four out of the five authors are affiliated with a “single competitor test” – the IELTS test. For their part, the report’s authors have maintained that the study was carried out objectively.
The study found the IELTS test to be widely regarded as the “common currency” of SELT, “largely due to the high level of trust in IELTS as a reliable and valid measure of language proficiency”, said the authors.
The most widely accepted English language test by UK universities, IELTS, is co-owned by IDP, Cambridge University Press and the British Council.
Other tests including TOEFL, C1 Advanced, and the Pearson Test of English (PTE), were found to be accepted by a high number of the institutions surveyed, while Duolingo was only accepted by six universities.
“Unfortunately, this study is based on the perceptions of a small group and relies on outdated views rather than robust empirical evidence,” a spokesperson for Duolingo told The PIE News in response to the findings.
They commented: “Every Ivy League university accepts the Duolingo English Test (DET), as do a third of Russell Group institutions and over 5,900 institutions worldwide,” adding that the DET “combines academic rigour and integrity with accessibility and affordability”.
Meanwhile, English testing expert Michael Goodine advised test takers “to keep in mind that the criticisms mentioned in the study are anecdotal and not presently supported by comparative data”.
What’s more, at the time of the survey, Duolingo was only accepted at six universities, compared to IELTS. which was accepted at all 50.
Given the experiences of surveyed staff sharing their worries about declining standards of English: “Clearly, then, Duolingo isn’t the problem,” suggested Goodine. “Maybe the traditional tests are problematic,” he posed.
For its part, Cambridge University Press & Assessment maintained the study was independently peer-reviewed, objecting to comments about the research being conducted on a “small” group or to their views being “outdated”.
“The researchers did not seek views on any specific test,” said the spokesperson, adding that interviewees were asked about their personal experiences with the tests, changes since the pandemic, internal decision-making processes around test selection and their experience of the English levels of students admitted with such tests.
“We hope this evidence will help universities to consider the relative merits of different modes of language assessment. Now is the time to put quality first,” they added.
Maybe the traditional tests are problematic
Michael Goodine, Test Resources
The report’s authors note that the shift to online learning and testing during the pandemic “has led to a perceived decline in language standards, with many staff members worried that students are not meeting the necessary threshold for successful academic engagement”.
“The lack of transparency and external validation, especially for newer tests, exacerbates these concerns, as many of these tests provide little evidence of comparability beyond marketing information,” they say, calling for universities to use evidence-based approaches when selecting which English language tests to use.
In addition to the choice of test, much of the report is dedicated to findings highlighting the growing concerns among university personnel about the declining English language proficiency of international students.
When asked to evaluate the academic literacy of the international students they teach, 44% of respondents said it was ‘poor’, 47% deemed it to be ‘mixed’ or ‘varied’, with less than 10% judging it to be ‘good’.
“Admitting students without sufficient English jeopardises their educational experience and places strains on institutions and faculty,” said Pamela Baxter, managing director for IELTS at Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
“These are some of the highest stakes exams around – that enable people to migrate and study”, said Baxter, adding that international students comprise 23% of the UK’s total student population, and “greatly enrich” universities, but must be admitted with the right standards.
The study finds a “great divide” between EAP and academic staff placing a greater emphasis on test validity and language proficiency, as compared to recruitment and admissions personnel who tend to priorities accessibility and cost.
Such a disparity highlights the “need for a more integrated approach to decision-making”, the authors argue.
The report comes as the UK SELT sector is bracing for a dramatic overhaul, caused by the government’s ongoing development of a dedicated Home Office English Language Test (HOELT), for which a tender process is currently underway.
Most recently, the Home Office launched a fourth round of market engagement about digital testing, exploring the viability of incorporating remote testing into the HOELT service.
Education
The Need for AI Literacy in Indian Legal Education

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the contemporary landscape, harnessing the power of vast datasets to automate complex tasks and deliver tailored solutions. This transformative technology is reshaping our approach to longstanding challenges. India is at the leading edge of this AI evolution, ready to use the rapid technological progress to achieve remarkable growth in technology.
Legal education serves as the cornerstone for promoting social justice, equity, and a robust democracy, providing individuals with the expertise to navigate a society regulated by law. To accomplish this objective, society must cultivate proficient lawyers who serve essential functions within their communities. This necessitates a comprehensive framework that enables legal practitioners to address the changing demands of Indian society.
The obstacles presented by globalization, rising expenses, and ongoing judicial delays highlight the urgent necessity for technological advancement in the legal field. India’s dedication to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) established in 2015, which prioritizes accessible and equitable quality education, corresponds with the National Education Policy 2020s objective to modernize legal education. By embracing global norms and new methodologies, the legal industry may markedly improve access to justice, safeguarding it as a fundamental right for all individuals.
After India’s independence in 1947, education was vital in fulfilling the moral needs of the newly liberated population. And, the main goal of the legal system was to realize the Constitution’s objectives, leading to the enactment of various laws for social reform, such as the Dowry Prohibition Act (1961) and the Hindu Marriage Act (1955). Today, India’s educational aim is to create a fair and just society. The Indian court system is struggling with a backlog of cases, corruption, and slow resolution times. The Supreme Court highlighted the importance of improving legal education to tackle these challenges and adapt to new global trends, advocating for the use of AI in the courts.
India’s current legal education and research framework is based on the common law tradition, and emphasizes upon critical thinking, teaching using Socratic methods, legal writing skills, oral advocacy, risk aversion, issue identification, and legal ethics. Although, these strategies have shaped generations of competent lawyers, yet they are now regarded as insufficient. Because, it places greater importance on theoretical understanding rather than on the practical abilities that are essential for contemporary legal practice. Lawyers are now anticipated to possess strong analytical skills and be proficient in utilizing legal technologies such as document automation and predictive analytics.
The expectations for newly graduated lawyers have changed considerably. They are now required to have robust technological skills, adaptability, and the capability to work alongside professionals from different fields, in addition to their conventional responsibilities in legal research and advocacy. Clients today look for legal professionals who can serve as strategic partners, grasping the connections between law, technology, and business. In this context, it is crucial for legal educators to integrate frameworks that align technical comprehension of AI with ethical and practical training. This method guarantees that students are prepared not just to use AI tools, but also to evaluate their results critically.
Consequently, the traditional method of legal education requires the implementation of more flexible and tailored curricula to tackle the growing complexities of legal matters in a rapidly globalizing and digital environment.
There is a notable trend towards incorporating AI literacy in various legal fields, prompting many law schools worldwide to either introduce or revise their AI courses introducing new courses centred around AI, such as Programming for Lawyers, AI Ethics and Privacy, AI and Experiential Learning etc. The National Law University of India in Bengaluru, OP Jindal University in Sonipat, and the Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Rights in IIT Kharagpur have incorporated AI-focused courses into their curriculum. This initiative aims to equip students with the skills to utilize AI tools, addressing the technological needs of the profession, also understanding AI technologies can improve their job security and enhance their competitiveness in an ever evolving industry. Legal firms and experienced lawyers may expect younger associates to leverage generative AI technologies, given their familiarity with the changing tech landscape. AI will not replace lawyers; instead, those who adopt AI will likely excel over those who do not. An AI-focused curriculum can help cultivate lawyers who are less susceptible to being replaced. It is essential for students to not only learn how to use AI tools effectively but also to receive guidance on their optimal application.
While coding skills aren’t a requirement for lawyers but familiarize themselves with tools and platforms that are beneficial in the legal sector. Legal professionals can utilize these tools to streamline contract automation, conduct legal research, and monitor compliance effectively. This not only makes it easier to do analyses of vast datasets, automating complex tasks, providing customized solutions and uncover different interpretations of laws across jurisdictions, and can also assist judges with routine tasks which will allow them to focus on more complex issues.
The incorporation of AI into legal education is essential to meet the growing need for faster, more accurate, and accessible legal services. AI’s ability to perform tasks in seconds that traditionally take much longer necessitates a thorough overhaul of the legal curriculum to embrace digital advancements. Law schools in India are grappling with a pressing challenge such as outdated curriculum, many teachers are not well-versed in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. This gap in knowledge, coupled with a resistance to shift from traditional teaching methods, hampers the integration of these technologies into legal education. Furthermore, the current infrastructure is inadequate for overseeing AI usage, as there are no clear guidelines for its proper application.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) is responsible for regulating legal education in India, established under the Advocates Act of 1961. The BCI’s primary role is to supervise the legal profession, ensuring lawyers adhere to professional conduct standards and safeguard the profession’s interests. Over time, the BCI’s mandate has expanded to include establishing standards for law colleges, including curriculum, infrastructure, faculty qualifications, and student admissions. This standardization ensures quality but limits the capacity of law schools to innovate and experiment with new approaches. Many law programs follow a strict curriculum, limiting opportunities for integrating innovative interdisciplinary subjects. The BCI has released a directive promoting the incorporation of subjects like blockchains, electronic discovery, cyber-security, robotics, artificial intelligence, and bio-ethics into curricula. However, law schools in India have neglected to integrate AI into their curricula, as the existing curriculum is extensive. Educators often shy away from integrating new technology in their classrooms due to the extra workload it entails. Even with access to labs and advanced tools, many schools struggle to deliver up-to-date, AI-enhanced learning materials. This gap arises from a lack of staff expertise in utilizing AI effectively, leaving students without the benefits of modern educational resources.
Ensuring digital inclusion is crucial for the sustainable integration of AI, as it ensures fair access to digital tools and resources for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location. Students enrolled in law colleges located in rural or semi-urban regions may experience a disadvantage in accessing technology and education in artificial intelligence relative to their metropolitan counterparts. Elite educational institutions and communities often have sophisticated digital infrastructures, such as high-speed internet, modern gadgets, and cloud computing resources, allowing them to adopt cutting-edge EdTech solutions.
Law schools in economically disadvantaged or rural regions encounter difficulties stemming from obsolete gear, unreliable internet connectivity, or a total absence of access to AI resources. The prevalence of AI materials and technologies in English constitutes a substantial obstacle to accessibility for non-English speaking students.
In addition to revising the curriculum to incorporate AI subjects, it is equally crucial to train the faculty and staff. This ensures that students are well-informed about the effective use of AI, fostering a sense of comfort and confidence. Such an approach is vital for achieving optimal outcomes in education and beyond.
Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author’s own.
END OF ARTICLE
Education
First lady calls AI training a national responsibility for US students

First Lady Melania Trump has urged the nation’s business and technology leaders to back artificial intelligence (AI) education in schools, framing it as essential for preparing children for future jobs, reported India Today.
White House Task Force on AI education
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Artificial Intelligence Education Task Force, which she chairs, Trump balanced optimism with caution. “As leaders and parents, we must manage AI’s growth responsibly. During this primitive stage, it is our duty to treat AI as we would our own children — empowering, but with watchful guidance,” she said.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon joined the event, alongside Cabinet officials and industry leaders. Trump pressed the group to invest in AI training for schoolchildren, describing it as a national responsibility. “AI can be a powerful tool, but only if we teach our young people how to use it with wisdom,” she noted.
National contest and call for leadership
The First Lady also highlighted her recently launched nationwide contest for students in grades K–12, encouraging them to apply AI to projects or community challenges. She said the initiative is aimed at showcasing both the opportunities and limitations of the technology.
“America must lead in this field,” Trump told the gathering. “And leadership starts in our classrooms.”
Education
Goomi Introduces AI Education Planning Assistant for Students

Founded by a 20-year-old computer engineering student at the University of Notre Dame, Goomi delivers 24/7 AI-powered guidance to make education planning simpler and more accessible.
Boston, United States, 6th Sep 2025 – Goomi, a Boston-based edtech startup, today announced the launch of Goomi AI Planner, described as the next generation of education planning tools, an AI-powered assistant that combines voice interaction, personalized school matching, academic guidance, and deadline management to support students and parents. Goomi further broadens access to quality advice for families who might not use private consulting. The web app went live on July 26, 2025 and is available today; the mobile app will launch on September 15, 2025.
Reducing Stress for Families
The Goomi AI Planner is available around the clock, giving families immediate access to support whenever they need it.
It can answer academic planning questions, track student progress, and send reminders for important milestones such as exams, application deadlines, and extracurricular activities.
By offering this consistent guidance, the platform reduces the stress many families face during school selection and academic planning while providing families with a clearer planning path. Goomi is able to help students block out all the unnecessary information, have a consolidated view of what they need to do, and provide them with a clear vision. Families don’t need another dashboard — they need a guide,” said Edmond Meng, founder and CTO of Goomi. “Goomi AI Planner sits with students day-to-day, turning overwhelming timelines into clear, personal next steps.
In addition, the platform directly addresses application anxiety through features such as personalized school matching, application essay guidance, and deadline tracking that keep families informed and prepared.
Its cross-cultural and multilingual support makes it equally effective for U.S. families and international students, ensuring accessibility for learners from different academic systems and cultural backgrounds. Additional tools, including an activity and competition hub and smart task management with parent collaboration, further help families build stronger academic profiles and stay organized.
Extending Support Through Community
Beyond core features like progress tracking and deadline alerts, Goomi extends its value through a dedicated community platform. Families can share experiences, exchange advice, and access expert Q&As, private forums, and success stories, creating a peer network that complements the AI assistant. It also helps close information gaps between families with different levels of resources. This combination of technology and community insight positions Goomi as more than a utility. Its a long-term resource designed to support families throughout their education journey.
Product Roadmap and Positioning
The company describes the AI-powered education planning platform as the “Jarvis for education,” a supportive assistant that understands both learning and planning while complementing the essential role of teachers and schools.
The web version of the platform is currently live, alongside the community app that is already available to families. The mobile app will officially launch on September 15, 2025, representing the company’s first major rollout.
Founder’s Vision and Background
Goomi was founded by Edmond Meng, a 20-year-old computer engineering student at the University of Notre Dame. As both an international student and a young entrepreneur, Meng has experienced firsthand the stress families face with school choices, academic planning, and applications. His vision is to give every family access to their own “education Jarvis,” an assistant that makes education planning simpler, more personalized, and more accessible. Guided by this mission, Goomi aims to reduce stress for students and parents while advancing fairness and opportunity in education planning. Heading the company is a young team with expertise in education, technology, and community building, working together to make the vision of an ‘education Jarvis’ a reality for families worldwide.
About Goomi
Goomi is a Boston-based edtech startup dedicated to simplifying education planning with AI-driven solutions. Its mission is to provide accessible and personalized support that reduces the stress of academic decisions while fostering a sense of community among families. By combining technology with inclusive design, Goomi aims to ensure every family can benefit from a trusted education assistant.
Contact Details
Organization: Goomi
Contact Person: Stella Meng
Website: https://www.goomi.ai
Email: Send Email [https://dashboard.kingnewswire.com/release-contact/33503]
City: Boston
Country: United States
Release Id: 06092533503
The post Goomi Introduces AI Education Planning Assistant for Students and Parents appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licences, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section above.
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